Climbing Mount Whitney: Highest Mountain in California Elevation: 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) Prominence: 10,071 feet (3,070 meters) Location: Sierra Nevada, California. Coordinates: 36.578581 N / -118.291995 W Map: USGS 7.5 minute toporgraphic map Mount Whitney First Ascent: First ascent by Charles Begole, A. H. Johnson, and John Luca on August 18, 1873. Highest Mountain in Lower 48 States Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States or the lower 48 states. The only American mountains higher than Whitney are in Alaska , which has seven higher peaks including Denali , the highest peak in North America. Mount Whitney is the second highest ultra-prominent peak in the Lower 48 U.S. states with 10,071 feet of prominence and is the 81st most prominent peak in the world. Mount Whitney Facts and Statistics Mount Whitney, because of its height, has many unique attributes: Highest mountain in California.

81st most prominent mountain in the world. 24th highest mountain in North America. continue reading below our video LeBron vs. Michael: Who's Better? High point of Sequoia National Park . High point of Inyo and Tulare Counties in California. Summit is the southern end point of the 211-mile John Muir Trail. Near Lowest Point in North America Mount Whitney ironically lies only 76 miles from Badwater, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level in Death Valley National Park . Vertical Rise of East Side of Mt. Whitney Mount Whitney has a huge vertical rise, towering 10,778 feet (3,285 meters) above the town of Lone Pine in the Owens Valley to the east. Whitney is in Sierra Nevada Mount Whitney is on the Sierra Crest, a long row of high peaks in the north-south trending Sierra Nevada mountain range. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada are a fault block range with its steep fault scarp on the east and a long gradual incline on the west. Mount Whitney is Growing The exact elevation of Mount Whitney has risen over the years as technology has improved.

A brass USGS benchmark on the summit lists the elevation as 14,494 feet (4,418 meters), while a National Park Service summit plaque gives it as 14,494.811 feet. Today Whitney’s elevation is considered to be 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) by the National Geodetic Survey. Stay tuned, it might still be growing! High Point of Sequoia National Park Mount Whitney’s east side is in Inyo National Forest , while its west side lies in Sequoia National Park . It is also in John Muir Wilderness Area and Sequoia National Park Wilderness Area, making it subject to wilderness regulations. Named for Geologist Josiah Whitney The California Geological Survey named the peak for Josiah Whitney, California’s State Geologist and survey chief, in July, 1864. A glacier on Mount Shasta was also named for him. 1864: Clarence King Attempts Mt. Whitney On the geological expedition that named the mountain in 1864, geologist and climber Clarence King attempted its first ascent but failed.

In 1871 King returned to climb Mount Whitney but mistakenly climbed Mount Langley instead, which was six miles away. He returned in 1873 to rectify his error and climbed his mountain nemesis, unfortunately three other parties had already climbed Whitney, including the first ascent a scant month previously. Clarence King later wrote about the peak: “For years our chief, Professor Whitney has made brave campaigns into the unknown realm of Nature. Against low prejudice & dull indifference he has led the survey of California onward to success. There stand for him two monuments, one a great report made by his own hand; another the loftiest peak in the Union, begun for him in the planet’s youth & sculptured of enduring granite by the slow hand of Time.” 1873: First Ascent of Mount Whitney Charles Begole, A. H. Johnson, and John Luca, fishermen from Lone Pine, made the first known ascent of Mount Whitney on August 18, 1873. They renamed it Fisherman’s Peak. The United States Geological Survey, however, decided in 1891 that the peak would remain as Mount Whitney.

After World War II there was a movement to rename it for Winston Churchill but it failed. Newpaper Article about First Ascent After Whitney’s first ascent, the September 20, 1873 issue of the Inyo Independent newspaper wrote: “Charley Begole, Johnny Lucas & Al Johnson took a trip to the summit of the highest mountain in the range, & christened it ‘Fisherman’s Peak.’ Ain’t it as romantic as ‘Whitney?’ The fishermen who found it looked mighty romantic on their return to Soda Springs. Wonder who that old earthquake sharp thinks is running this country, anyhow?” Most Climbed Mountain in the Sierra Nevada Mount Whitney is the most climbed high peak in the Sierra Nevada and one of the most climbed mountains in the United States, although no exact statistics are available. The Mount Whitney Trail The 10.7-mile Mount Whitney Trail, 22 miles round-trip, is the most popular route to the summit. It gains 6,100 feet (1,900 meters) up the east side of Mount Whitney from the trailhead at Whitney Portal (8,361 feet) 13 miles west of the town of Lone Pine.

Permits Required to Climb Mount Whitney Permits from the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service are required year-round to climb the mountain to save it from being loved to death by the tramping impact of hundreds of hikers a day. Read Leave No Trace Climbing Ethic for info on lessening your environment impact while climbing and hiking. Permits are scarce because more people want to climb Whitney than what is considered the daily carrying capacity of the trail. Permits are allocated in summer by lottery. Peak climbing season is July and August when the weather is generally warm and sunny. 1873: John Muir Climbs the Mountaineer's Route While the Mount Whitney Trail is the “cattle route” to the summit, some climbers opt for more adventure. One of the best and most popular climbs is The Mountaineeer’s Route ( Class 3 scramble ), first climbed by none other than the great naturalist and climber John Muir in 1873. Muir, like Clarence King, mistakenly climbed Mount Langley first and then, after realizing his error, moved his camp south to the mountain base.

A couple days later, John Muir “set out afoot for the summit by direct course up the east side.” At eight o’clock on the morning of October 21, he stood alone atop the summit. Muir later wrote of his route, “Well-seasoned limbs will enjoy the climb of 9,000 feet required for this direct route, but soft, succulent people should go the mule way." There is still a lot of truth in that statement. For More Information Mt. Whitney Ranger District Inyo National Forest 640 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 8 Lone Pine, CA 93545 Mount Whitney: Climbing Mt Whitney Walk, even in one day. Test your limits, It’s up to you; Prepare to ascend Whitney… "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back." — Chinese proverb Your “how-to”, “step-by-step” trail guide to take you to the trailheads, Above…then beyond Climb Mt Whitney Mountain climbers will appreciate the steep eastern side of the mountain, while backpackers and hikers undertaking the challenging hike on the western side of Mt.

Whitney can expect to view picturesque sunrises, giant granite peaks and even encounter strange little animals called marmots. The main trail can be hiked in 1 day, but most people complete it in 2-3 days. Mt. Whitney , east of the California town of Lone Pine along US Highway 395 is most easily accessed by the Whitney Portal Trailhead (8,365 ft), 13 miles east of town. This granite peak of the Sierra Nevada Range, located in the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park (its western face), is the highest point south of Alaska. Mt. Whitney is one of the most popular wilderness destinations in the world! Backpackers and climbers visit Whitney from all corners of the globe. While accessible without extensive training or technical equipment, summiting Mt. Whitney still requires planning, permits, practice and preparation.

Mount Whitney Statistics 36 34'42.9 N, 118 17'31.2 W Type: Granite Carillon to Russell to Whitney to Muir Traverse Carillon to Russell to Whitney to Muir Traverse August 23, 2011 Mount Muir: SP , LOJ , Map Mount Whitney is located in California’s Sierra Nevada Range, and is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. It is one of the most popular summits in the US, and as a result, there is a permit system in place to help prevent more massive crowds. The most popular route to the summit is a trail that starts from the Whitney Portal trailhead, and makes the summit reachable in a strenuous day hike of 22-miles roundtrip. There are also other more technically challenging route options to choose from as well. Sean had applied for and obtained a pair of permits, and graciously invited me to join him for the climb. We had originally planned to tackle the Mountaineer’s Route, but as our departure date got closer, Sean suggested a more adventurous multi-peak traverse trip.

I was nervous about whether the route would be too strenuous for me, but decided to suck it up and give it a shot. Our plan would be to climb Mount Carillon, then the classic scramble up the east ridge of Mount Russell, followed by Mount Whitney, and finally a quick scramble up Mount Muir. We made the 12-hour drive from Boise to the Whitney Portal trailhead near Lone Pine, and got the last campsite at the upper campground. I’ve never seen so much signage about bear danger. Numerous precautions were encouraged, including storing food in bear lockers that were available at each campsite. In spite of all the signage, we didn’t see any bears in the area. We hit the sack before 9pm with hopes that camping at the trailhead elevation of around 8400’ would help us acclimate for the following day’s climb. The next morning we broke camp and left the trailhead at 5am with headlamps blazing. Surprisingly there weren’t many other hikers up and moving yet. We made our way up the trail, and then departed from the main trail at the second creek crossing to head up the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek.

The trail made its way through the willows, and then up the “Ebersbacher Ledges”, which is a fun section just below Lower Boyscout Lake. At this point, we were treated to some great views of sunrise alpenglow shining on the east face of Mount Whitney. That sight alone made our early start worth the effort. From Lower Boyscout Lake, we left the trail and made our way up into the scenic cirque to the east of Mount Carillon. We were making good time and enjoying the scenery. Once at the top of the cirque, we stopped to fill our water bottles in the stream while taking in the views of the impressive south face of The Cleaver. From here, we made our way up the obvious gully toward the north ridge of Mount Carillon. The rock in the gully was a little loose, but not bad. The rock got more stable as we got higher, and it made for an enjoyable scramble to Carillon’s summit. From Mount Carillon, we had good views of The Cleaver to the north, as well as Lake Tulainyo, the highest named lake in the contiguous US. More importantly, we got our first view of the route up the highly acclaimed east ridge of Mount Russell.

We headed down the west ridge of Carillon, and then began making our way up Russell. As we climbed the ridge, the amount of exposure increased. The rock was stable and the climbing was easy, but a miss-step could lead to a long fall down the north face. This section was probably the highlight of the day, and we made our way up to the east summit, then over to the higher west summit. It was a blast. But we didn’t linger long, as we still had to figure out how to get off the peak, and down one of the south face gullies. Figuring out how to descend was the crux of the day. We searched for nearly 30 minutes, looking for the best possible option, and eventually decided that there was only one spot that would work. Sean went first, with the first 100 feet being the most challenging. He descended down a slot, through a notch, then down a ledge system to reach the base of the south face headwall. I followed by a slightly different route. Soon enough we reached to top of a more gently sloping talus filled gully.

From here, the descent was easy, and we had a chance to watch some technical climbers on their way up the Fishhook Arête route. Very cool stuff. We stopped for lunch in the broad saddle between Russell and the north face of Mount Whitney. The next obstacle was crossing the talus fields on Whitney’s north face. We basically angled up and over until reaching about the third rock rib, which provided some stable terrain to get us to the summit. I was starting to tire, but really felt surprisingly good considering we’d already completed nearly 8000 feet of elevation gain for the day. After crossing a small snowfield, we arrived on the summit plateau, and met up with the trail leading to the summit. We passed a couple other groups on their way down, but had the summit to ourselves once we arrived at the highpoint. After signing the summit register, and snapping some photos, it was time to head down the trail. Sean took a quick side-trip to scramble up the Keeler Needle, and I continued down the trail. We still had one more peak to climb, and I waited for Sean for a couple minutes at the spot where we needed to leave the trail in order to climb Mount Muir.

Once he got there, we headed up through the talus for a while, and then reached the base of the summit block. The final scramble to the summit wasn’t a gimme, and there were just enough challenging moves to keep this peak off-limits for most casual hikers. It was a fun short scramble, and our fourth peak of the day. Great views from the summit. Now all that was left was a 9-mile hike back to the trailhead. The upper section of the trail is well constructed, and the grade was pretty gentle as it made “99 switchbacks” down to the Trail Camp area, which was loaded up with a couple dozen tents and folks planning to climb Whitney the following day. We passed a couple other slower moving groups along the way, and I wondered how late it would be before they made it back to the trailhead. We set a steady pace, and only needed headlamps for the last mile, making it to the trailhead by 8pm. This day was an instant classic for me. We’d climbed four peaks in the High Sierra, including three 14ers, had the highest point in the lower 48 all to ourselves, and seen some amazing scenery.

Our strenuous 15-hour day had both started and ended in the dark, covering over 17 miles and 8500 feet of elevation gain. I can’t begin to express how much I appreciate Sean inviting me along for this trip, and encouraging such an adventurous route. What an excellent day in the mountains. Now all that was left was to get a good night of sleep in order to prepare for our climb of Clyde Minaret the following day. Map of our route. Covering 17.5 miles and 8700 feet of elevation gain. 5am start from the Whitney Portal trailhead. Sunrise on Mount Whitney and Keeler Needle as seen from the top of the Ebersbacher Ledges. Heading into the very scenic Carillon cirque. Sean making his way up the gully towards the Carillon/Cleaver col. The Cleaver as seen from the northeast face of Mount Carillon. Making our way up the north ridge of Mount Carillon. Mount Russell as seen from Mount Carillon. Looking back on Mount Carillon, The Cleaver, and Tulainyo Lake. The steep north face of Mount Russell drops sharply to the frozen lake below.

Climbing the awesome east ridge of Mount Russell. Sean heading toward the summit of Mount Russell. The north face of Mount Whitney as seen from Mount Russell. Panoramic view looking north from Mount Russell, with Mount Whitney in the center. Looking down into our descent route off Mount Russell, into the south face gully. Headwall we downclimbed to descend from Russell. South face of Mount Russell. Looking across the north face of Mount Whitney. Sean climbing the north face of Mount Whitney. Nearing the summit of Mount Whitney. Dave signing the Whitney summit register. SeanD photo. Panoramic view looking east from Mount Whitney, with Mount Russell on the far left. Dave on the summit of Mount Whitney, highest point in the continental US. Sean making his way up Mount Muir. Signing the summit register on Mount Muir. Mount Whitney from Mount Muir. View down to Trail Camp, and a couple dozen tents amongst the rocks. Dave descending the Whitney trail. SeanD photo. Lone Pine Lake in the distance, about to run out of light. 8pm finish at the Whitney Portal trailhead. IdahoAlpineZone is unofficially sponsored by Skippy Peanut Butter.

Lowest to Highest (L2H): A backcountry hiking route from Death Valley to Mount Whitney NEW MAPPING, DATABOOK AND GPS RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE - click here The challenge is classic. The starting point and finish are pure and uncontrived. And accomplishment is a high on par with the alpine crags around you, soaring over a furnace desert beyond. For several decades adventurous souls have sought the challenge of traveling on foot from the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere to the highest place in the contiguous United States. Starting at Badwater in Death Valley, California, at an elevation of 279 feet below sea level, they test their mettle on a scorching ribbon of asphalt highway, over mountain passes and across sere basins, and on into the shadow of Mount Whitney, 14,505-foot king of the mighty Sierra Nevada range. Badwater Road, near the start of the paved race route Many come in summer, when valley air temperatures can exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 C), and attempt to run the 130+ mile distance, either competitively - with outside support - or self-contained, challenging only themselves.

The approach differs with the individual, but the route is almost always the same. Over the years, only a handful have left the highway to travel their own way "from the Lowest to the Highest..." Introducing the Lowest-to-Highest Route Overview Map - click to view full size The Lowest-to-Highest (L2H) is a backcountry hiking route between Badwater and Mt. Whitney. Unlike the traditional "race route," the L2H avoids pavement and vehicle traffic whenever possible, in favor of a scenic, silent journey across the wilderness, as it seeks the soul of a rugged, harsh, and ultimately beautiful land. If the traditional approach is to complete an extreme journey on foot, then the L2H is about living completely in a land of extremes. Indeed, this off-highway journey encompasses even greater extremes of geography, ecology and climate, and is intended to immerse the traveler far more deeply within the environment. In terms of the route's layout, the Lowest-to-Highest Route represents the first genuinely "backpacker-oriented" way to get from Badwater to Mt. Whitney.

The L2H was designed to meet the expectations of seasoned walkers looking for a challenging one or two week trip through desert, mountain, and alpine terrain. To this end, the route offers a number of advantages: Provides a sense of solitude and an opportunity for contemplation of nature away from major roads, traffic, and other manmade intrusions. Travels across scenic, interesting and varied terrain, and over a wide range of elevation and climate. Follows an efficient line of travel between its end points in order to minimize distances between water and resupply. Affords direct access to natural and developed water sources, as well as cache locations, so as to reduce the sense of dependency or discontinuity during the actual journey. Returns to civilization occasionally to facilitate resupply of food and provisions, as well as for rest and recovery. Connects to the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail and nearby PCT, offering options for extended travel into the High Sierra backcountry and beyond. Character of the Route Telescope Peak Trail The Lowest-to-Highest is in fact a route - an informal, unsigned linkage of existing trails, roads, and cross-country travel.

Few established trails exist in Death Valley National Park or elsewhere in the areas immediately east of the High Sierras and Mt. Whitney. However, the area is threaded by numerous old roads, many of them former miners' routes, little more than rockbound tracks in some cases. Cross-country travel is often facilitated by the expansive desert landscapes here, which include everything from flat, featureless salt playas, to the lightly-vegetated slopes of arid mountain ranges, to vast alluvial fans at the mouths of canyons. And yes, several foot trails are found here as well - some of them well-traveled and in excellent condition, in other cases just a rough path with occasional rock cairns to guide the way. Each of these surfaces and modes of travel come together to make the L2H the diverse, challenging and rewarding experience it is. Distance, Elevation & Terrain Total mileage from Badwater to Mt. Whitney is surprisingly similar between the highway race route and L2H route. The L2H travels a distance of about 130 miles from end to end, compared to the race route's 135 miles.

In fact the race route ends at Whitney Portal, 8 miles and several thousand feet below Mt. Whitney's summit, so the "peakbagging" L2H - which goes straight to the top - is comparatively more efficient overall, at least by the mileage figures. But the more distinguishing difference between the two routes is elevational: By seeking out an adventurous line of travel away from major roads the L2H features a total elevation gain more than double that of the highway route. The following elevation profiles offer a visual comparison of the two routes. (Please note the difference in vertical exaggeration between the two profiles.) Comparison of Elevation and Length: L2H (at left) & Race Route (vertical exaggeration differs) Long John Canyon, Inyo Mountains The difference in total elevation gain between the routes is the result of topography and the way each route confronts it. Much of this land is at the western edge of the vast Basin and Range province, with fault-block mountain ranges rising sharply out of deep, wide valleys.

By adhering to paved 2-lane highways that follow the path of least resistance, the "race route" does not climb as high nor as often as the L2H, which approaches the ranges directly, via more primitive and steeply graded surfaces. The L2H confronts three major ranges - the Panamints, Inyo Mountains, and the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada massif at Mt. Whitney - and along the way crosses Death Valley, Panamint Valley, and the valley of the Owens River. Elevations on the crests range from 9000 feet above sea level to over 14,500' at Mt. Whitney. Valley elevations are much lower - so much lower in the case of Death Valley that the climb into the Panamint Range (to Telescope Peak) represents the fourth greatest valley-to-summit elevation gain in the United States, just behind Washington's Mt. Rainier. In addition, east of the Inyo Mountains the L2H follows the rolling 5000' Darwin Plateau for a number of miles, with easier hiking and more moderate temperatures.

[ top of page ] Highlights of the Adventure Change is seemingly the only constant on the Lowest-to-Highest. Perhaps nowhere else on earth can a person so quickly travel on foot between markedly contrasting environments, between worlds so far apart in character that it is hard to reconcile their physical proximity. Such is certainly the case in the journey's early miles. The route leaves Badwater - an undrinkable saline pool - crosses the harsh, flat, and often torrid salt playa of Badwater Basin - at 282 feet below seal level the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere - then ascends over 10,000 vertical feet to the crest of the Panamints near Telescope Peak, where thousand-year-old bristlecone pines thrive in the short growing season between long, cold winters. Or imagine walking among desert canyons of bone-dry greasewood and endless rock, only to turn a corner and discover the miracle of Darwin Falls. Here, a series of perennial cascades dash among shade trees and lush undergrowth.

Bird song fills the air, punctuated incongruously with the "hee-haw" of a feral burro hidden somewhere up-canyon, living testament to a bygone era when miners and mule teams did heavy work here. Strange spikey forms dot the distant horizon ahead, looming taller as the route approaches its first stand of joshua trees, great sentinels of the Mojave desert. Their multi-armed masses form a veritable army of green and gray across the expanse of Lee Flat, yet make no sound to stir the utter silence of the land. Colorful mine tailings and even a wooden ore tramway reveal the human history of the rugged Inyo Mountains, where the past comes alive at the ghost town of Cerro Gordo. The American Hotel is located here, a real Old West saloon and guest house occasionally still serving travelers today, "especially those romantics born a century too late," says the proprietor and sole resident here at 8000 feet. photo courtesy David Hough Reaching Trail Crest and the eastern divide of the mighty Sierra Nevada, you turn north to join the John Muir Trail and walk a narrow ridge far above treeline.

The sky, reflected flawlessly in alpine lakes below, is blue and confident but the air is thin, forcing you slowly, euphorically ahead. Ever higher you climb, past sun-cupped snowfields, among pinnacles, to the very top of the world it seems. The summit of Mount Whitney commands a view of peaks more numerous than all the sands in the desert, you think to yourself. And there, below and to the east, the route you've journeyed for more than a week slips away toward the distant horizon, back to the sand, salt and heat of Badwater in a universe all its own. [ top of page ] Strategies for Success Hiking the Lowest-to-Highest Route safely and successfully requires a familiarity with both desert and alpine environments, their particular challenges and demands, and the equipment and techniques for dealing with them. By its very nature, the route is neither easy nor without risk; indeed, this is a land of potential danger beyond the norm.

Furnace-dry heat, strong sun, an infrequency of natural water sources, and rugged, steep, remote terrain are standard fare when traveling in this harshest of desert lands, while snowpack, cold and/or changeable weather, afternoon thunderstorms, and altitude sickness can become concerns at higher elevations along the route. The information presented here assumes an ability to accept and respond to such potential hazards along the way, as well as a proficiency with the particular requirements of long-distance hiking that involves resupply and/or backcountry caching. Do not approach the route unprepared. Season of Travel Death Valley digits: "a little warm" for late June The Badwater to Whitney foot race occurs each year in July, typically the hottest month in Death Valley, where the all-time high temperature record stands at an otherwordly 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 C). Meanwhile, snow can fall in the high country beginning in mid-autumn, with remnant snowpack sometimes blocking trails on Telescope Peak into the following June, and on Whitney into July. The upshot of these limiting factors is a narrow seasonal window in which to travel the Lowest-to-Highest without undue hardship.

In essence, the L2H is open to traditional thru-hiking (which is to say, minus a mountaineering component) only during the months of September and October, after the desert heat lessens and before the early snows arrive. In most years, a start date at Badwater during the first week of October should allow enough time to reach Mt. Whitney before ice or snow make conditions hazardous there. Make no mistake though - the lowest terrain of the route may still be quite warm to downright scorching, even well into October. Other times, the weather can be chilly and inclement, including at the bottom of Death Valley. Navigation: Maps and Databook Because the L2H is an unmarked, unsigned route, detailed topographic maps are absolutely essential for navigation as well as for an understanding of the terrain through which the route travels. To this end, as of mid 2015 we are now offering a complete "navigation bundle" for prospective hikers which includes high-resolution, annotated topo maps, elevation profiles, and a companion databook, as well as GPS tracks and waypoints.

The maps and databook are presented in easy-to-use PDF file format, and they can be printed either at home or using a professional document printing service like FedEx Office. The GPS data is formatted for compatibility with most current GPS units. Click on the following link to view and download the navigation bundle. Lowest to Highest Navigation Bundle This resource has been some time in the making, and we hope it simplifies the planning process for prospective hikers. We've opted to make it available to try for free. If you find it useful and would like to support our efforts to keep this resource up-to-date, then please consider purchasing the navigation bundle above. The maps, databook, and GPS info detail the main route of the L2H as well as a number of "alternate routes" that hikers may opt to use along the way. The alternates are typically a few miles longer or shorter than the portion of the main route they replace; some of them may prove easier in some way, either in terms of the terrain or logistics, while others may be more scenic or adventurous. Refer to the maps and databook for more info. Along with the maps contained in the navigation bundle, additional large-area overview maps can also prove helpful in finding your way.

The DeLorme California Atlas & Gazetteer offers a broad perspective of the terrain, including roads leading away from the route toward developed areas where assistance would be available if needed. Trails Illustrated produces a folded, waterproof map of Death Valley National Park, with numerous secondary and primitive roads and even some trails and x-c routes depicted. Additionally, the entire L2H route is covered (without actual route depiction) in 1:100,000 scale detail on four maps produced by the BLM. Visit the Public Lands Information Center website to order the BLM's Death Valley Junction, Darwin Hills, Saline Valley, and Mount Whitney surface management maps. Locating Water With an average annual rainfall of less than 2 inches, coupled with high temperatures and low dew points, Death Valley defines aridity in sharper terms than almost anyplace on earth. Yet the ranges that rise so prominently above Death Valley and surrounding basins do capture precious moisture from occasional weather systems, draining it into the basins to evaporate in salt pans or well up in unusual, unpotable ways as at Badwater. These ranges also retain some of their moisture, as evidenced by their more abundant flora and fauna.

And in a few places this vital water runs at the surface, clear and drinkable. A lack of abundant natural water sources is a fact of life on the Lowest-to-Highest Route, at least before reaching the Owens Valley at the edge of the well-watered Sierra Nevada. In its desert reaches, hikers will at times need to carry a considerable amount of the wet stuff - perhaps several gallons - and walk with a purpose from one known source to the next. High desert surprise: goldfish in China Garden Spring The L2H route has been carefully laid out to make the water situation as manageable as possible for experienced desert travelers. Several natural sources are encountered along the way, of which a few are fairly dependable. Developed water is also reached at intervals throughout the route, and can generally be counted on during the normal hiking season. Further scouting of the route will be necessary for a definitive assessment of natural water source reliability. Nevertheless, the following table reflects current knowledge (as of summer '15) on the subject. It also lists potential on-route cache locations, where one could leave a supply of water beforehand to be picked up during the hike.

(See the following discussion.) Source PRINT THIS WATER SUMMARY HERE Water Caching At first glance, the above water chart may seem to indicate that water caching is unnecessary on a thru-hike of the L2H. And for experienced desert hikers willing to pack heavy water loads, it may not be necessary. But for safety's sake more than mere convenience, all hikers, regardless of ability or inclination, should at least consider caching some water along the route. 10k vertical feet cross-country elevation gain Three areas of the route in particular suggest the benefit of water caching: the western and eastern base of Telescope Peak, and the long stretch without surface water west of China Garden Spring. The climb of Telescope Peak's ridge is steep, extremely long (10,000+ feet of elevation gain), remote, and mostly cross-country. Although Hanaupah Spring to the east is considered reliable, what happens if your arrival is delayed by the unexpected? Or what if the springs in Tuber Canyon happen to be dry when you're absolutely counting on them? To be caught on either side of the mountain with empty water bottles could very easily prove disastrous.

Water caches left at nearby road crossings would provide a margin of safety, and make this challenging ascent and descent much more manageable, especially as the caches would permit a more deliberate pace in difficult terrain. Water left near the entrance to Hanaupah Canyon at the western edge of Badwater Basin would also help to ensure a safer and more enjoyable crossing of this lowest, hottest, driest region at the very start of the route. Setting up a last minute water cache on the route about 7 miles west of China Garden Spring would be fairly straightforward. Upon reaching the store at Panamint Springs, one could purchase water in plastic jugs and then hitchhike 12 miles west along the highway to its next intersection with the L2H route. There, the hiker could hide the water nearby in desert brush, then hitch back to Panamint Springs and continue along the trail, retrieving the cache on foot in a day or so. (And being sure to pack out all supplies from the cache!) Additional water caches would require more targeted vehicle assistance. For those with no outside support, one tested solution would be to rent a car in the town of Pahrump, Nevada, 1.5 hours east of Death Valley National Park.

This would be done prior to arrival at Death Valley, for example if flying into Las Vegas beforehand. After placing the water caches, one could either return to Pahrump and then hitch back to the Death Valley area, or potentially arrange to have the vehicle picked up by the rental company for an extra charge. In this last scenario hikers could arrive at Badwater under their own power and start the hike on a schedule of their choosing. Resupplying Welcome to Panamint Springs Resort (just around the bend) The Lowest-to-Highest Route offers two potential opportunities for resupply along the way. Packages of food and supplies can be shipped to Panamint Springs Resort (with prior permission) and the town of Lone Pine prior to the hike, then picked up along the way. The route heads directly through both localities. Although the Panamint Springs resupply may not be truly necessary on a hike of this length, it can still be helpful in terms of reducing overall packweight; by minimizing the weight of food supplies, it becomes easier to carry the heavy loads of water which are sometimes unavoidably necessary. Panamint Springs Resort has a campground, motel, restaurant, and small store with mostly snack items.

Maildrops may be held at the discretion of the proprietor, and must be shipped via UPS only. Call to confirm details: (775) 482-7680. Be sure to mention that you'll be hiking through Death Valley and give an approximate date of arrival. For best odds when calling, you might also plan to reserve a motel room for when you'll be passing through. Lone Pine is a small, tourist-oriented town with most services available, including a medium-sized grocery store. Sending a maildrop would probably be unnecessary if heading west toward nearby Mt Whitney, but might be helpful if intending to continue on the JMT beyond Whitney or if hiking eastbound on the L2H toward Badwater. The Lone Pine post office (zip code 93545) accepts packages addressed for general delivery. A small store is also located at Whitney Portal at the base of the Mt Whitney Trail. The store sells snack items and has a grill with limited menu options. Permits Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail, en route to Permit Country In its final 8 miles the L2H ascends Mount Whitney via the main Mt. Whitney Trail and John Muir Trail.

Due to the extreme popularity of hiking Mt Whitney, access to the summit is available by permit only. A limited number of permits for entering the "Mt. Whitney Zone" are available each day throughout the hiking season. Permits are available by reservation - days or weeks in advance of the hike - as well as on a walk-in basis the day of the climb. During the peak hiking season in July and August permits to enter the Mt. Whitney Zone from Whitney Portal are generally all reserved well in advance. September and October pose less of a concern for the hiker arriving without advance reservation, except on weekends. Either way, L2H hikers may want to secure a permit in advance, provided a climbing date can be specified accurately. (Permit dates are non-adjustable.) "Walk-in" permits can be obtained at the Lone Pine InterAgency visitor center 1.5 miles south of Lone Pine. For more information, or to try to reserve a permit online, visit the website of the Inyo National Forest .

[ top of page ] The Route In Abstract From Badwater (279 ft below sea level), the L2H heads west across Badwater Basin to Hanaupah Canyon, where it follows 4WD road to Hanaupah Springs. [e.g., 1st camp] It then proceeds cross-country to Telescope Peak's ridge (10,000 ft), northbound via the Telescope Peak Trail, then west x-c into Tuber Canyon. An old track in Tuber Canyon passes a few potential springs, [2nd camp] and continues downhill to Wildrose Road (2500 ft), where the L2H joins faint dirt tracks northwest to sere Panamint Valley and the village of Panamint Springs, with food and water available (el. 2000').

[3rd camp: motel or campground] Scenic, perrenial Darwin Falls and China Garden Spring lie southwest of Panamint Springs, which the L2H approaches before proceeding cross-country on rocky, volcanic slopes through the untracked Darwin Falls Wilderness [4th camp] to a junction with the Highway 190 "race route" (4800'), then north via Saline Valley Rd toward Lee Flat joshua tree forest (5500'). From a road junction along the historic White Mountain Talc Rd (4900') [5th camp], the L2H climbs westward to the living ghost town of Cerro Gordo along the rugged Inyo Mountain crest, then turns north on 4WD to Mexican Spring (9200') and the ruins of the Saline Valley salt tram. A vague, cairned trail heads west downhill in Long John Canyon, past a possible spring (5800') [6th camp], and into the Owens Valley via Lone Pine Narrow Gauge Rd to US 395 and the town of Lone Pine.

(3700') [7th camp: motel] Here the L2H joins the Badwater-Whitney Portal roadwalk route up Whitney Portal Rd, but leaves it at Lone Pine Campground (5900') to follow the Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail. The route is concurrent with the Mt Whitney Trail from Whitney Portal (8300') [8th camp: Whitney Portal Campground walk-in backpacker campsites, reservations required ] to Trail Crest, then follows the John Muir Trail to its terminus at Mt Whitney's summit. Whitney Portal Road Whitney Portal Road Tweet Whitney Portal Road it's a short but spectacular drive that takes you about halfway up Mount Whitney, located in the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range in the western United States. It's the highest summit in the contiguous United States with an elevation of 14,505 feet (4.421 m) above the sea level. Whitney Portal Road usually opens sometime in early May, with the first major winter storm shutting it down sometime in November, meaning it is not maintained or cleared of snow. However, it is not physically barred and climbers routinely drive as far as conditions will allow.

The road is not gated or otherwise physically blocked, call the InyoNationalForest for information. Whitney Portal Road connects Lone Pine to Whitney Portal (the Whitney Portal Store is at the Portal, and the store is open in the summer). This route is paved but narrow, steep and winding with dramatic switchbacks. The road ends at 2.557m above the sea level. This paved road, with a total length of 13mi (19km) passes through the Alabama Hills, the scene of literally hundreds of cowboys films, but the road has a film history, too. The steep, sharp switchbacks along the Whitney Portal Road were prominent in scenes in the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz film The Long, Long Trailer, in which Luci surreptitiously fills a travel trailer with her rock collection until it’s too heavy to ascend the grade. The road is also featured in the 1941 classic, High Sierra, starring Humphrey Bogart. To reach the road, from highway 395 in Lone Pine, CA take Whitney Portal Rd west for 6/10ths mile to begin the climb where the road crosses the Los Angeles aqueduct.

The road still remains an adrenaline-pumping journey. It’s a damned thing to behold. It twists and turns through an otherworldly landscape known as the Alabama Hills, a set of bizarrely constructed rock piles, before setting on a fairly straight shot for the foothills of Mount Whitney. The vistas change dramatically as you draw closer to the mountains, seeming more and more massive until suddenly they overwhelm you, and you're a part of them, looking back down on the road, the hills, and the OwensValley. In other words, there's plenty of time to think about what you're getting yourself into.It’s a great and difficult climb out of the high desert up towards Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48. Like most eastern Sierra ascents this one starts out tame and ends up tough. The grade generally increases as you climb so that a five mile stretch in the 2nd half averages 9%. The hill lets up just before the finish at Whitney Portal and a parking/hiking area (trailhead to Mt.Whitney). Whitney Portal is also very similar to the famed French climb of the Madeleine.

Question: Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous USA, is in which range?
Answer: Sierra Nevada